the austin gimmick stealer
Even after all these years, I still don't understand the opinion that Goldberg is an Austin clone. Okay, they're both bald and wear black trunks. But does Goldberg cuss? Does he flip the bird? Is he an anti-hero who attacks everybody, whether they're heel or face? And does Austin use a power-based offence? Was his reputation built on an undefeated streak? Does he attempt anything like a savat kick, successful or otherwise? Aside from those glancing visual similarities, they are entirely different characters and performers - Goldberg just happened to come along in WCW after Austin reached the top of WWE.
The comparison is made for several reasons:
First of all is the similar appearance. both individuals are bald, both have the goatee and both wrestle in a simple pair of black trunks. I know that bald wrestlers have been around forever, i know that goatee's are the current style for facial hair (how i wish i could grow some) and i know that black trunks have been forever also. But Austin is easily recognized as the man for bringing it all together as a whole. Others thought that his style was too bland and not marketable (Don't forget he was fired for being unmarketable), yet austin proved them wrong and went straight to the top w/o changing his appearance. Then AFTER austin was over and was recognized for being simple in appearance, out comes Goldberg who looks exactly like austin except he has more bulk mass.
Next comparison has to do with the attitudes of their characters. Now the men take different routes, but they end up at the same place. They both have a "take no trash talk, take no prisoners, in your face, BMF" type of gimmick. The only difference is that Austin was in the more adult oriented WWF and was encouraged to do foul gestures, whereas Goldberg was on the family oriented WCW and was encouraged NOT to be as ranchy.
Thirdly is the way both characters debuted. The SCSA gimmick first started out as a silent type. If you remember Million Dollar Man was his first mouth piece, as WWE felt that Austin couldn't cut it on the stick. Then after Ted left WWE, Austin was out there by himself and for a short period didn't speak, but let his ringwork tell his story. Goldberg was brought in very similarly. He came out, went to the ring, worked his match and left. He didn't talk, he didn't dance, and he didn't try to set himself apart. He just let his rinkwork speak for itself.
And finally (i am far enough off topic as it is), both men are similar in move types. Again, both take their own paths, but the similarities are there. Both men rely on moves that get instant crowd pop/recognition. Goldberg relies on his power moves, his spinning heel kick, his spear, and jackhammer. Austin relies on his louz press, his mudhole stompin, and his stunners. They use simples moves that the crowd wants to see.
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Topic: was it a mistake (Read 1114 times) Share